U.S. Senate Blocks GENIUS Act, Drawing Treasury Criticism – Coincu

On May 8, 2025, Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary, criticized the Senate’s vote against advancing the GENIUS Act. The decision drew attention to the absence of a unified framework for stablecoin regulation.

The blocked GENIUS Act threatens the U.S.’s role as a leader in crypto regulation. It may lead to fragmented policies, pushing innovation overseas and potentially weakening the dollar’s dominance.

Treasury Concerns: GENIUS Act and U.S. Crypto Leadership

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent voiced dissatisfaction after the Senate halted progress on the GENIUS Act. The legislation was designed to create a unified federal framework for stablecoin regulation, an initiative seen as crucial for maintaining American financial leadership. Bessent emphasized the gravity of the situation:

With the GENIUS Act stalled, stablecoins face a fragmented regulatory environment across various states. Such circumstances could drive digital asset innovation away from the U.S., posing risks to its competitive stance in the global market.

“For stablecoins and other digital assets to thrive globally, the world needs American leadership. The Senate missed an opportunity to provide that leadership today by failing to advance the GENIUS Act.”

Prominent figures like Senator Cynthia Lummis and John Deaton supported Bessent’s discontent, pressing for urgent steps towards federal regulation. Deaton remarked on the need for clarity to attract and retain crypto businesses within U.S. borders.

Historical Trends and the Current State of Stablecoins

Did you know? The absence of comprehensive regulation previously led to U.S. firms relocating to regions with clearer legal frameworks, such as the EU’s MiCA. This trend underscores the pressing demand for federal-level guidelines to mitigate offshoring of innovation.

USDC, currently priced at $1.00, holds a market cap of $60.62 billion with a dominance of 1.85%, according to CoinMarketCap. Over the past 24 hours, USDC’s trading volume surged by 104.82%, despite a minor dip of 1.32% in price.

Coincu’s research team indicates that inaction on federal stablecoin legislation may lead to technological shifts migrating to jurisdictions with favorable rules. Outcomes could impact both innovation potential and the U.S.’s fiscal influence globally.